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We can all agree, that ever since COVID-19 entered our lives directly or indirectly, the world as we knew it has changed. Staying indoors, zero contact and sporting masks all day are just some of the many things that we have had to quickly get used to, to keep ourselves and others away from risks. The latest innovation to join what is already a long list is Singapore’s robot dog named ‘Spot’. By Amitha Ameen
Just received the most Singaporean pandemic content from a mate based in the little red dot pic.twitter.com/vqgnQ5F4D9
— Soon-Tzu Speechley 孫子 (@speechleyish) May 8, 2020
If you live in Singapore and are paying a visit to your neighbourhood park, you are in for a surprise. Municipal authorities in Singapore, have come up with a new way to tackle community transmission of COVID-19, with their newest member, a four-legged robot called Spot.
Spot, the neighbourhood robot dog, is currently undergoing a two-week test run at the city’s Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, where he strolls around the park broadcasting pre-recordings that remind people visiting the park to maintain and observe social distancing practices.
The robot dog comes fitted with cameras and in-built motion sensors, so it can avoid any collisions and can be remotely controlled as well. Singapore’s National Parks Board (NParks) maintains that Spot will not be used to acquire personal data or identify people with the in-built camera.
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Singapore was recently hit off guard with the second wave of Coronavirus attacks bringing the total confirmed case numbers to 25, 346. The robot dog is just one of the many ways the country is trying to tackle the virus and flatten the curve, to avoid any more casualties.
This isn’t the first time authorities have turned to robots and other types of technology in their fight against the pandemic. Countries like the US, China, and even India have been employing drones to remind people to practice social distancing and also to monitor law-breakers during the lockdown. In some cities, robots are being used to distribute food to patients in isolation wards, to minimise contact and reduce the risk of transmission.
Related: Abu Dhabi Airport Introduces Robots For Sterilisation During COVID-19 Pandemic
